Industry Sentiment Survey reveals main concerns

The findings suggest that businesses increasingly view workforce development not simply as a human resources issue, but as a strategic imperative

An in-depth analysis of GrowTrade.ie’s annual Industry Sentiment Survey reveals careers and career development as the industry's leading concern

Horticulture

18 June 2026

Growtrade.ie’s annual Industry Sentiment Survey proudly sponsored by Klassman-Deilmann helps shape a clearer picture of where the sector is heading.

In this year’s survey we asked you to rank the issues, trends, and topics that matter most to your business, whether that’s energy costs, managing pest and disease, sustainability, raising input costs, skills and staffing to name a few.

Based on insights from 135 respondents the survey reveals that the industry is undergoing a significant shift in priorities.

While rising costs and sustainability remain important concerns, the findings indicate that workforce development has become the defining issue facing Ireland’s horticulture and allied sectors.

Almost half of all respondents (45%) identified their primary sector as horticulture, reaffirming the industry’s central role within the wider green economy.

Retail and Landscape & Design each accounted for 19% of responses, demonstrating strong engagement from businesses operating closer to the consumer market. Machinery suppliers and the sportsturf sector each represented 5% of participants, while 8% came from other related disciplines.

Overall, the results highlight the interconnected nature of the industry, where challenges affecting growers inevitably influence retailers, landscapers, suppliers, and service providers.

The survey’s most striking finding is the dominance of careers and career development as the industry’s leading concern, while labour shortages being the most pressing concern among respondents in last year’s edition.

At approximately 27% of responses, this issue ranked significantly higher than any other challenge, highlighting growing recognition that the sector’s future depends on its ability to attract and retain talent.

Combined with concerns around skills and staffing, which accounted for a further 11%, workforce-related issues represent nearly two-fifths of all responses.

Several factors are likely driving this trend:

increased competition for skilled employees
limited awareness of career opportunities within horticulture
the need for greater investment in training and professional development
rising demand for specialist technical and environmental expertise

The findings suggest that businesses increasingly view workforce development not simply as a human resources issue, but as a strategic imperative.

Despite the prominence of workforce concerns, financial pressures remain a major issue.

Rising input costs and the overall cost of doing business ranked second at approximately 17%, while energy costs accounted for around 14% of responses.

The 2026 Growtrade.ie’s Industry Sentiment Survey reveals a sector facing a fundamental challenge – securing the people needed to support future growth.

For many years, discussions around industry competitiveness centred primarily on costs, regulation, and market conditions. While these issues remain significant, the conversation has clearly shifted.

The industry’s ability to attract new entrants, develop specialist skills, and create meaningful career pathways will determine its long-term resilience.

Addressing these challenges will require collaboration between employers, educators, industry organisations, and policymakers.

If the sector can successfully invest in its workforce while managing cost pressures and advancing sustainability objectives, it will be well positioned to seize future opportunities.

Sponsored by Klasmann-Deilmann ‘we make it grow’.